Drugs

New Jersey Drug Possession Defense Lawyers

In New Jersey, possession of drugs (also known as a controlled dangerous substance or CDS) is a serious matter, which should not be taken lightly. N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 makes it a crime in the third degree to possess a Schedule 1, 2, 3, or 4 controlled dangerous substance, unless prescribed by a doctor. If a person pleads guilty to this offense or is found guilty at trial, the person could receive up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $35,000. With the exception of marijuana, almost all street drugs and prescription drugs and that can get a person “high” fall within Schedule 1 though 4. There are very few prescription drugs found in Schedule 5, and possession of such drugs is a fourth degree crime, and carries a penalty of up to 18 months in prison and a fine up to $15,000. Possession of marijuana, if less than 50 grams, is not a crime inNew Jersey. Rather, it is a disorderly persons offense. It is also a disorderly persons offense to be intoxicated and under the influence of drugs or prescription medication that is not prescribed by a physician. Also, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-11 makes it a crime in the third degree to possess imitation or fake drugs.

Drug Distribution Criminal Defense Lawyers

Distributing a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), also known as drug dealing, is a separate crime and carries an additional charge under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5. Manufacturing a CDS is also prohibited under the same law. A person could be guilty of breaking this law even if they did not actually distribute or manufacture drugs; it is enough for the prosecution to prove that the person simply possessed a CDS with the intent to distribute or manufacture drugs. Distributing or manufacturing a CDS is very serious inNew Jerseyand the penalties depend on which drug is distributed or manufactured, and in what quantity. For example, making or selling cocaine or heroin in a quantity of 5 ounces or more could carry a penalty of ten or more years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. Selling or making small amounts of drugs are only third degree crimes, which are still serious. Also, there are extra charges and penalties if a person uses a minor to assist them in selling drugs, or if they distribute a CDS within 500 feet of a school or public housing project.

Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer Approach (Why Us?)

A person charged with possession or possession with intent to distribute a CDS could be facing a sentence of years in prison along with high fines and other penalties. If you are charged with such a crime you will need a lawyer to protect your rights. Our firm will fight vigorously for you and help you achieve the best results for you drug case. We are skilled at analyzing the evidence that the state intends to use against you and we fight to exploit any holes in the prosecutor’s case. We also spend a considerable amount of time in negotiating with the prosecutor so that our client’s get the best plea offers possible. Once a plea offer is made, we counsel our clients about whether it makes sense to accept a plea offer or take their case to trial, where the prosecutor would have to prove all of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer Free Consultation

If you are charged with any crime, please call us right away for a 100% FREE CONSULTATION, on the phone or in our office. We will review the court documents with you and advise you on what we can do to help you. Remember, the prosecutor’s job is to put people charged with crimes in jail. The prosecutor will not simply listen to your side of the story and drop the case against you. It is important to be represented by a skilled criminal defense attorney.
Please contact us today!
Raff & Raff, LLP
Attorneys at Law
30 Church Street
Paterson, NJ 07505
Tel: (973) 742-1917
Fax: (973) 742-2454